India, France agree to expand partnership in defence, security

What is the News?

India and France held a strategic dialogue meeting. It was co-chaired by India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) and the Diplomatic Advisor to the French President.

What are the key highlights of the meeting?

Strengthen Defence and Security Partnership: India and France have agreed to strengthen defence and security partnership by enhancing intelligence and information sharing.

Indo-Pacific Region: France stressed its continuing commitment to the Indo-Pacific region as a resident power and partnership with India as a “major pillar” of its strategy for the region.

Note: A resident power is one that does not own territory or have a territorial presence in a particular region of the world, but is nevertheless a force to be reckoned with in the international politics of that region.

Significance of India-France meeting:

The assertion by France to deepen cooperation with India in the Indo-Pacific came nearly two months after the AUKUS alliance by Australia, the UK, and the US.

Under the alliance, Australia will get technology from the US and UK to build nuclear-powered submarines.

The alliance is also seen as an effort to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

However, France reacted angrily to the formation of the new alliance as it resulted in France effectively losing a multi-billion dollar deal to build 12 conventional submarines for Australia. 

Source: This post is based on the article “India, France agree to expand partnership in defence, security” published in “Indian Express” on 8th November 2021.